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Williamson County mosquito sample tests positive for West Nile Virus

A mosquito sample collected in northern Williamson County has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. Lab results from the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the sample on Tuesday, August 16. The sample was collected by Williamson County and Cities Health District in the 76511 zip code, which includes the City of Bartlett. The species of mosquito that tested positive was a Culex quinquefasciatus, (Southern House Mosquito) which carries the West Nile Virus.

Additional trapping and testing will be conducted in the area in cooperation with the City of Bartlett and Bell County Health District. Enhanced mosquito control efforts will also begin, including the treatment of standing water with larvacide, and truck-mounted spraying, weather permitting.

Mosquitoes breed in standing or stagnant water. Eliminating places where mosquitoes can breed, and reducing the chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes are the most effective ways to minimize exposure to West Nile Virus. WCCHD recommends the 3Ds of mosquito safety:

• Drain standing water in flower pots, pet dishes or clogged gutters so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed and treat water that can’t be drained,
• Defend by using an EPA-approved insect repellent, and
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

There have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Williamson County since 2014; however, Bell County has reported one human case of West Nile Virus illness in June 2016. West Nile Virus should not be confused with other mosquito-borne illnesses. For more information about West Nile Virus visit www.wcchd.org or www.txwestnile.org.

For more information on the Williamson County and Cities Health District mosquito management program, visit the Williamson County and Cities Health District website at www.wcchd.org.